NFL draft: 2012 re-do

25.  New England Patriots

Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

Actual pick: Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Defensive end was a bigger need than linebacker — although in the original draft, Jones and Hightower were both taken by the Patriots, but I had them taking Floyd at 21. Jones has been a little more productive in his role with the Patriots than Hightower has been in his, so I’m going with Jones over Hightower here.

26.  Houston Texans

Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Actual pick: same

Mercilus has been a good edge player on the Texans defense. He, J.J. Watt, and Jadeveon Clowney (who I think the Texans will draft) is a nasty trio on defense. That front seven — including Brian Cushing — would probably be the best in the league.

27.  Cincinnati Bengals

David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Actual pick: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

I think Zeitler is better than DeCastro, so I gave him to the Steelers earlier. This just a swap of guards. DeCastro fills the same role — not as effective as Zeitler, but still a good player.

28.  Green Bay Backers

Oliver Vernon, DE, Miami

Actual pick: Nick Perry, LB, Southern California

The Packers need a lot of help on defense — there are holes at almost every position. The team has failed to generate a good pass rush as of late, and Vernon would aid in that respect.

29.  Minnesota Vikings

Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia

Actual pick: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

I’m going with the same strategy for the Vikings that I did with the Browns. Franchise QB with the first pick; franchise OT with the second pick. Glenn is horribly underrated and I think he’s a very good tackle. He’d give the Vikings what Matt Kalil has given them over two years, which would help Ryan Tannehill (re-mocked: see pick 4) and Adrian Peterson prosper.

30.  San Francisco 49ers

Derek Wolfe, DE, Cincinnati

Actual pick: A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

A.J. Jenkins was one of the biggest busts of this class, maybe right behind Brandon Weeden. There’s not much depth left in this draft class, so Wolfe is the pick here. Edge rush across from Aldon Smith will further solidify and provide depth to an already great front seven.

31.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Actual pick: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Upshaw had been just a little over average, but again, there’s barely any good talent left in this draft class. Doug Martin is long gone (but I gave the Bucs Alfred Morris with their first pick in this round). Upshaw would line up where Lavonte David did, as David didn’t land with Tampa Bay in this re-mock.

32.  New York Giants

Ruben Randle, WR, Louisiana State

Actual pick: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Wilson has legitimate injury concerns — he’s been productive when actually on the field, but he has to stay on the field. Randle has been a key contributor lately to the Giants’ offense; he played well when Hakeem Nicks was hurt. Randle might still have to earn his role with the Giants, and the jury is still out on him, but I have full confidence in him producing.